Careers in Advanced Manufacturing

In an age when it seems that manufacturing jobs are a thing of the past, advanced manufacturing is coming into its own as one of the most intriguing and lucrative career areas available.

The key to a great career in manufacturing is to understand that a “manufacturing” job is no longer about working on an assembly line, doing mind-numbing work that sucks the very life out of you.

Today, working in manufacturing is about applying incredible tools and brainpower to make leading edge products. The “quality movement’ of the past 20 years has yielded an entirely new environment and mentality among progressive manufacturers: automate, excel, and integrate, or die. The best have done just that.

As a result, careers in manufacturing have gone high tech. Very high tech. And manufacturing functions once performed by “human robots” are not accomplished by actual, for real robots. Robots operated by humans, of course.

That means, today, advanced manufacturing offers very challenging and well-paid opportunities to those who are willing to “learn the ropes” of the new manufacturing environment.

New Opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing

 The US government’s “Career Voyages” profiles list “Advanced Manufacturing” among the great careers of the future. Their keys to success in a manufacturing career include mastery of advanced technology, flexibility, and a commitment to continuously improving skills.

Among the leading career areas, many of which do not require a college degree:

• Team Assemblers
• Computer Support Specialists
• Helpers-Production Workers
• First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers
• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
• Machinists
• Helpers-Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Industrial Production Managers
• Mechanical Drafters
• Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Industrial Engineering Technicians
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Chemical Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technicians
• Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
• Electrical and Electronics Drafters
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

Each of these areas offers very well-paid career areas, and while they may seem “old school” they all require very high tech skills and proficiency.

Perhaps a better frame of reference is found at AutoMation Alley, which provides insight into the incredible world of automation for advanced manufacturing.

Also, check out the Manufacturing Institute’s “Dream It, Do It” site. Pay special attention to their career profiles, where they pull together Business, Creative, Hands-On and Scientific applications in advanced manufacturing. Very helpful, and thought-provoking.

GetTech.org has compiled an impressive list of “new manufacturing” jobs as well:

• Tool and Die Maker
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Electrical Engineer
• Industrial Chemist
• Robotics Technologist
• 3D Renderer/Designer (CAD-CAM)
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Chemical Engineer
• Semiconductor Technician

Skills You’ll Need for a Dream Career in Advanced Manufacturing

In it’s recent “skills gap report” the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) outlined the key skills that will be required to address the talent shortage in manufacturing, now and in the future. The report, while outlining a critical area for manufacturing businesses, is very encouraging for those seeking rewarding and well-paid careers in manufacturing.

By far the most prevalent opportunities among NAM members is “skilled production” workers. These are direct manufacturing jobs, working with the machinery and processes of manufacturing.

Their inventory of required skills can act as a road map for you to plan your dream career in advanced manufacturing. Identify the skills where a talent shortage exists, then compare them to your abilities and interests. Get your training and knowledge in those skill areas to prepare for a great career in manufacturing.

Among the key skills NAM members will be looking for:

“Direct” skills such as machine operations, mechanical processes, computer operations, drafting, as well as writing, communication and decision-making.

“Indirect skills” such as lean manufacturing, product lifecycle planning, and materials resource planning. These more sophisticated skills will elevate your career above the shop floor. Far above.

“Integrated skills” such as process improvement, teamwork skills, ability to read and translate plans, and the skill to quickly absorb and contribute to innovative work and development processes.

Where to Get Training in Advanced Manufacturing

Sadly, one of the great challenges of our time is getting the educational establishment up to speed with changes in technology. In many cases, the advanced manufacturing area is a perfect example.

For most any advanced manufacturing career, you can probably get perfectly adequate training at your local community college. But maybe not. It is, often, a disturbingly “do it yourself” proposition.

The good news is, manufacturers are quick to work with their local community colleges to create and fund education programs that will help them train new employees. Therefore, it is well worth your while to visit your local community college (or its Web site) to find out about such programs.

Online Training for Manufacturing

Slowly, the dynamic world of online training is embracing the challenge of providing training for advanced manufacturing. Because manufacturing is considered such a “hands-on” process, training is often thought to require extensive in-person contact.

However, as manufacturing becomes more digital, it also becomes more computer-reliant. Simultaneously, our ability to create and provide simulations and computer-based training is increasing rapidly. Soon, more and more accessible and excellent manufacturing training will be available online.

Meanwhile, some opportunities for online training currently exist:

The Montana Manufacturing Center provides lists of online training opportunities. They have sorted their lists into “basic” and “applied” skills training. Check out both lists.

Tooling University provides online training in various areas of tooling and computer numerically controlled (CNC) manufacturing processes. They even offer a free online course.

ISA Training Institute provides extensive online training to promote education in areas of automation.

The Society of Autmotive Engineers offers online and distance learning courses devoted to its areas of interest.

The Entrepreneurial Edge: Freelance and Self-Employment Options for Advanced Manufacturing

Because manufacturing is by nature a “group endeavor” it may seem that entrepreneurial or self-employment options are limited. However, like any other area, there are many, many niches to exploit for self-employment and independent business opportunities.

As always, look for the “software angle.” As you are seeking out training, look for specialized software products, especially those that manage the manufacturing process. They will nearly always offer you the opportunity to strike out on your own.

It may require that you get “inside the house” by taking general training first. But if you are determined to become self-employed or operate as a manufacturing consultant or free-lancer, you can do it. The opportunities will emerge.

Product Lifecycle Software Training

Consider joining the digital manufacturing revolution by becoming an expert in product lifecycle planning. Among the leaders--and featuring the most dynamic client list--is UGS. The UGS site provides a ton of information about product life cycle development, and about online and in-person training.